A cold house in winter is more than uncomfortable. Low temperatures can affect sleep, appetite, mood, and the body’s ability to stay warm, and they can be especially risky for babies, older adults, and people with some health conditions. When the heating stops during a power cut, households often reach for candles, gas stoves, or barbecues to create warmth. Some of these choices are dangerous indoors. This article explains safer ways to keep warm, what to avoid, and when to seek help. It offers general information only.
Trapping the warmth you have
The first step is to keep the heat that is already in the home. Close internal doors to rooms that are not being used, and place draught excluders along gaps under doors. Hang thick curtains at night, and draw them as soon as the light fades. Keep the living space compact by gathering people in one or two rooms, which is easier to warm than the whole house. Readers may also want to visit Bebegogo.com.
Layers are often more effective than turning up a single heater. Wear thermal underwear, warm socks, and a hat, and keep a blanket or throw within reach of every chair. A hot water bottle can warm a bed quickly, and it is a safer choice than an electric blanket that may be unusable during a power cut. Hot drinks and warm meals also help the body feel warmer from the inside.
Using heat sources safely
Many heating accidents happen because appliances are used in the wrong place. Never use a gas cooker, a barbecue, a camping stove, or a generator inside the home to heat a room. These can release carbon monoxide, which is a colourless and odourless gas that can cause serious harm. A carbon monoxide alarm is a sensible addition to any home, and it should be checked regularly so that it works when needed. You can also visit columnews.com for more reading.
If you use a safe, approved heater during an outage, place it on a firm, level surface, keep it away from curtains and furniture, and never leave it running while you sleep. Make sure the room has adequate ventilation, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. When in doubt, choose the simplest option, such as more clothing and a warm drink, rather than a risky shortcut.
Looking after vulnerable people
Babies and young children lose heat quickly, so dress them in layers and keep their sleeping area warm but not overheated. Check that their clothing is not too tight, and avoid placing loose blankets or pillows near their faces. Older adults may feel the cold less and may not notice that their body temperature is dropping, so check on them regularly during long outages.
People with heart conditions, respiratory problems, or limited mobility may need extra support. If you are unsure about the right precautions, speak with a doctor or nurse before winter arrives. Plan how you will manage medicines that must be kept warm, and make sure you have a way to reach your healthcare team if a problem appears. For a related read on this site, see Keeping Temperature-Sensitive Medicines Safe During a Power Cut.
Think about the rooms you use at night. Bedrooms usually lose heat more quickly than living rooms, so consider sleeping in the warmest room available during a long cut, and keep the door closed to hold the warmth in. A bed with extra blankets, a hat for sleeping, and warm socks can make a noticeable difference. Avoid alcohol before bed, since it can make the body lose heat faster and may mask the early signs of cold. If the house becomes very cold despite your efforts, consider staying with a relative or a friend for a while, and let someone know where you are going.
Recognising the warning signs of cold
Mild cold can cause shivering, numb fingers, and a general feeling of tiredness. More serious signs include confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness, very pale or blue lips, and a body that feels unusually cold. If someone shows these symptoms, move them to a warmer room, remove any wet clothing, and call emergency services if they do not improve quickly. Do not rely on a bath or direct heat to warm a person quickly, because this can cause harm.
Keep a simple record of indoor temperatures if you have a thermometer, and note how cold the rooms become overnight. This record helps you judge when more action is needed. It also gives a clear picture to share with a health professional if a family member becomes unwell.
- Keep a thermometer in the main room and check it each evening.
- Store extra blankets, hats, and warm socks in a dry place.
- Fit a carbon monoxide alarm and test it regularly.
- Make warm drinks and simple hot meals before the power is lost.
Staying warm during a winter power cut depends on sensible choices: trap the heat you have, dress in layers, avoid indoor fuel burners, and watch the people who are most at risk. Plan early, check on one another, and seek medical advice whenever symptoms seem serious. A calm, prepared household is far better placed to stay safe when the cold weather sets in.
